Dirt bike performance hinges on the sprocket and chain setup. The right gearing can improve acceleration, torque on climbs, and cruising speed on trails and tracks. The selections below focus on common 420 and 428 chain configurations, including rear sprockets with 41T and 35T, front sprockets with 17T and 13T, and complete chain-and-sprocket kits. These picks suit popular Chinese-made dirt bikes and ATVs from the 50cc to 170cc range and cover gear-ratio options for different riding styles.
Whether you’re chasing quicker acceleration for technical single-track or a higher top speed for open dirt trails, upgrading sprockets should consider chain compatibility, bore size, and mounting hardware. The table below summarizes key specs of five well-matched options, helping you compare at a glance before diving into the deeper product details.
| Product | Teeth | Type | Chain Type | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41-Tooth Rear Sprocket (YD-PS001) | 41 | Rear | 420 | YD-PS001 |
| Windance 35T 76mm Rear Sprocket | 35 | Rear | 420 | Windance |
| HIAORS 17T Front Sprocket | 17 | Front | 428 | HIAORS |
| MWMNUN 58-Tooth Rear Sprocket | 58 | Rear | #35 Chain | MWMNUN |
| MRELC 420 Chain And Sprocket Set | Front 13T / Rear 35T | Set | 420 | MRELC |
41-Tooth Rear Sprocket for 420 Chain
The 41-tooth rear sprocket is designed for 420-chain systems, making it a common upgrade for riders seeking stronger low-end torque and improved off-the-line response. This model is marketed for Chinese-made machines ranging from 50cc to 150cc, and it includes mounting hardware to simplify installation. The package lists one sprocket and four M8 bolts, with a diameter around 170mm and a center bore near 76mm. Its sizing supports a broad family of dirt bikes and ATVs, particularly when the stock gearing feel is too tall for hill climbs or technical sections.
Practical notes: ensure your chain is a 420 variant and confirm the center-bore diameter matches your hub. If your stock setup uses a different bore, you may need adapters or hub spacers. The robust construction helps resist impact and wear on rough trails, and the included bolts facilitate a secure fit. For riders prioritizing torque in rocky sections, this 41T rear option is a straightforward upgrade from lighter stock gears.
Windance 420 35T 76mm Rear Sprocket
The Windance 35-tooth rear sprocket is built for 420-chain systems and is described as compatible with a wide range of Chinese-built dirt bikes and ATVs. The 76mm center bore referenced in the product name indicates a common mounting size for many hubs, supporting quick swaps across compatible machines. Constructed from cast iron with high hardness, this sprocket is designed to endure the impacts of off-road riding while providing a balance of strength and wear resistance. This size is a popular middle-ground choice for riders seeking more torque without sacrificing too much top speed.
Key considerations include ensuring your hub clearance and chain alignment are correct after installation. With 76mm bore, verify that your wheel hub or sprocket carrier accommodates this dimension. This option is particularly appealing for riders who want a straightforward rear-gear upgrade without altering front sprockets or chain length. Pairing it with a compatible 420 chain helps maintain smooth power transfer through rough terrain.
HIAORS 428 17T Front Sprocket
The HIAORS 428 front sprocket is designed for 428-chain-equipped bikes, offering a 17-tooth configuration to influence overall gearing. The front sprocket is described with an eye-to-eye distance of 30mm, a common measurement that helps ensure compatibility with a wide range of engines and frame setups. A 17T front gear typically increases acceleration in comparison to stock while slightly reducing top speed, depending on the rear sprocket in use. This piece is a straightforward upgrade for riders seeking a snappier throttle response on dirt trails.
When selecting a front sprocket, confirm your chain type (428 in this case), the mounting hole, and the compatibility with your engine’s compact frame. The 17T size is a popular choice for riders who want to improve torque without dramatically sacrificing speed on straights. Pair this with a compatible rear sprocket and chain to tune the bike’s overall gearing to your riding style.
MWMNUN 58-Tooth Rear Sprocket
The MWMNUN 58-tooth rear sprocket caters to #35 chain systems, offering a higher-tooth option that can enhance top-end speed on smoother trails while potentially reducing torque for steep climbs. The product notes indicate compatibility with Dirt Pit Bike, Go Kart, Quad, and ATV applications, including a 29mm shaft and three mounting holes with a center-to-center distance of 33mm. This size is suitable for riders who want to optimize highway-style performance or maintain balanced gearing across a wider range of terrain.
As with any rear sprocket, verify your chain length and wheel hub compatibility before swapping. The 58T configuration shifts gearing higher, which can be advantageous for long dirt roads or high-speed sections. If your bike’s stock gearing is too short for cruising, this option provides a simple, reliable path to more efficient belt-through power at speed, assuming your engine can maintain torque with the larger rear gear.
MRELC 420 Chain And Sprocket Set
This MRELC kit represents a complete drivetrain upgrade for 420-chain systems. It includes a 120-link chain, a 13-tooth front sprocket, and a 35-tooth rear sprocket. The chain is described as heavy-duty with 120 links (60 inner and 60 outer) and includes a master link for easy adjustments. Front and rear sprockets are forged from stainless steel for corrosion resistance and long life. The rear sprocket features a 76mm inside diameter, and the front sprocket uses a 17mm mounting hole, with a 13T size on the front for a more aggressive acceleration profile.
This set is intended for broad compatibility with engines from 50cc to 170cc and is marketed to fit popular models like CRF150, YZ80, SSR, Lifan, Coolster, and similar dirt bikes. The kit allows users to tailor gearing by replacing both chain and sprockets at once, simplifying installation and ensuring matched wear characteristics across components. When upgrading, ensure your frame and chain length can accommodate the new length and tooth counts, and plan for proper tension after installation.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right sprocket and chain setup depends on riding style, terrain, and the bike’s engine size. The following considerations help balance torque, acceleration, and top speed while ensuring compatibility and reliability on dirt trails and track days.
- Chain type and compatibility: Most dirt bikes in this category use 420 or 428 chains. Confirm the chain type before purchasing sprockets. Mixing a 420 sprocket with a 428 chain will cause misalignment and premature wear.
- Front vs rear gearing: A smaller front sprocket (fewer teeth) increases torque and acceleration, while a larger rear sprocket (more teeth) can improve top speed. For aggressive trail riding, consider a front reduction (e.g., from 13T to 12T or 13T to 14T) or a rear increase (from 35T to 38-41T) to tune the ratio to your preferred terrain.
- Bore diameter and mounting: The bore size (76mm, 76mm center hole, 30mm eye-to-eye, etc.) determines compatibility with your hub or carrier. Always measure the bore and mounting pattern to ensure a secure fit and correct alignment with the chain line.
- Material and durability: Sprockets in cast iron (as some Windance products use) or stainless steel offer good wear resistance. Stainless steel options may resist rust longer in wet or muddy environments, at a potential weight difference you should consider for performance-sensitive builds.
- Hardware and installation: Some kits include mounting bolts or master links. If not, you’ll need proper bolts with the correct thread sizing and a master link to facilitate chain installation and adjustment. Check torque specs recommended by your bike’s service manual.
- Complete kit vs. individual parts: A full chain-and-sprocket kit (like the MRELC set) can simplify installation and ensure matched wear characteristics. Separate sprockets and chain give customization flexibility but may require more planning to achieve ideal tension and alignment.
- Rear-to-front ratio planning: If your bike originally uses a stock 14T front and 40T rear, moving to 13T/35T reduces the ratio by roughly 3-4 teeth total, which can significantly affect torque and speed. Use a gearing calculator or consult a professional to estimate the expected change for your model.
- Maintenance: After installation, re-tension the chain and check for proper alignment. Clean the sprockets and chain after rides in muddy conditions, and inspect for wear, burrs, or misalignment. Regular checks extend life and prevent heat-related wear.
- Riding scenarios: For hill climbs and technical sections, prioritize lower gearing (smaller front or larger rear). For long straights or desert rides, higher gearing may reduce engine revs and improve fuel efficiency and top speed.
In summary, the best sprocket choice depends on how and where you ride. The five options above cover common needs: a sturdy 41T rear for torque, a mid-range 35T rear for balanced performance, a 17T front for more responsive acceleration, a 58T rear for higher top speed, and a complete set for a coordinated upgrade. Always verify compatibility with your specific bike model, chain type, and hub bore before purchasing.